I am having a SGAP breast reconstruction in a few weeks. Do I need to buy post op surgical bras? If so, which kind and can I get a prescription for insurance purposes? Also, I heard people use various bras / camisoles with pockets for drains. Have you heard of those or think they are helpful? Do you think button down shirts are something I need to get? Anything else?

No need to buy any special bra, vest, or camisole in advance. Our hospital, East Cooper Regional Medical Center, provides a soft cotton vest with drain pockets as well as a surgical bra that acts as a post operative surgical dressing. Let them know if you feel like you need an extra for when you leave the hospital and they are great about sharing another with you.

Absolutely, I would make sure I had button down shirts and loose clothing that you can easily get in and out of. You’ll have some limitation of lifting your arms above your head so button down shirts are easiest to get on and off without lifting your arms. Some women choose to wear loose sundresses; others track suit pants or cotton shorts. Whatever you are comfortable in is fine, but keep in mind we won’t want you wearing anything right away that could potentially put any pressure on your suture lines.

Here are more helpful hints:

If you are having a DIEP breast reconstruction, abdominal swelling limits clothing choices. Wear loose-fitting garments to the hospital. Women should avoid fitted, zippered pants and skirts because they probably won’t zip when it’s time to leave. Even clothing with snug elastic waistbands may be uncomfortable. A loose chemise or drop waist dress or jumper is a good choice.

Slacks or skirts with elastic in the back and a smooth band in the front may be slightly more comfortable than those with a totally elastic waistband.

Consider clothing that doesn’t wrinkle easily. Resting and naps are necessary while recuperating.

Cotton underwear breathes and is absorbent and comfortable next to the skin. Cotton’s fiber ends help the fabric stand away from the sensitive incision area rather than hug it, as some textured, synthetic fabrics do. If you don’t already have cotton briefs, buy a pair a size larger than your normal size. A little extra room adds comfort during recuperation. For waistline incisions, bikini cut styles may be better, while full cut panties and shorts might be preferred for incisions in the lower abdomen and buttocks.

Loose-fitting nightgowns and nightshirts are comfortable, especially when made from absorbent, breathable cotton or cotton-blends. If you prefer pajamas, select those with drawstrings. Elastic waists may be less comfortable for some people depending on swelling, tenderness, and location of incision. Sweatpants or crew pants are a comfortable change from bed wear, especially those with drawstrings, which allow some flexibility at the waistline.

Flat soled shoes that slip on your feet rather than tie are great to have, too, as you may be limited in your ability to bend over and tie your shoes.

If you do need to have a special bra after your incision lines have healed, we are happy to provide a prescription. We’ve had lots of our patients rave about Nordstrom’s for post mastectomy bras. Not only do the kind folks there provide a professional fitting for mastectomy patients, but they also handle the insurance paperwork for you too!

Thank you,

The team at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Are you thinking of having reconstructive surgery and have questions or just want more information? Then click here to ask our team, we’d love to hear from you!

Comments

Great article, I just wanted to introduce myself my name is Cherie B. Mathews and I am a 12 year breast cancer survivor. I have designed and patented a post operative garment for mastectomy patients and in less than two short years helped over 700 women. I was just awarded a grant from SGK – Austin to give as a gift to the undeserved women who desperately need help. Just wanted to let you know I’m out here helping. We also have a non profit foundation http://www.healincomfort4achange.org and our vision in the future is to be able to give as a gift a healincomfort kit to any woman in a hardship situation.
Thank you, Cherie
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Trackbacks

[...] Generally speaking the quality of the scar is not affected by the surgeon’s technique, and is unfortunately completely dependent upon the patient’s biochemistry. Having said that, there are some scar patterns, which are more favorable than others, in terms of allowing patients to wear different styles and types of garments without displaying scars. In a best case scenario, every patient would have a nipple sparing mastectomy where scars readily conceal beneath most swimsuits, although this is unfortunately not possible. The next best scenario is to have skin sparing mastectomies with a nipple reconstruction, which can still result in a scar pattern which can be readily hidden under most swim wear and in most types of clothing. [...]